NHL Trade Rumors: Oilers getting interest in Nail Yakupov
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly shopping forward Nail Yakupov and teams are expressing interest
The Edmonton Oilers are committed to a full rebuild. Part of that process involves moving out anyone who the Oilers feel isn’t going to be a part of their future. Forward Nail Yakupov, the first overall pick of the 2012 NHL Draft, falls under that category. Edmonton is shopping him and teams have expressed interest in him.
Let's not forget about Nail Yakupov. Oilers were busy yesterday moving out Purcell and Schultz. Seems to be developing interest in Yak.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 28, 2016
The Oilers could easily move on from Yakupov and not lose too much. Nail Yakupov just isn’t going to get it all together in Edmonton and a change in scenery could benefit both parties. The price on him remains to be seen, but it likely won’t be that much because it’s hard to view Yakupov as much more than a reclamation project at this stage in his career.
Yakupov has just 72 points in 185 games over three seasons since his promising rookie season. This season, Yakupov has five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 41 games. He is certainly talented but Yakupov has been quite inconsistent. However, that talent that he possess makes him a very tempting target for teams if they want a potential bargain ahead of the NHL trade deadline on Feb. 29.
Teams that could express interest in him include the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Anaheim Ducks, and Minnesota Wild. All of those teams are actively searching to add an upgrade at wing and would perhaps be willing to take a gamble that Yakupov can be that upgrade.